In one of the best non-conference games of the season, Duke travels to Arizona to take on the Wildcats of the Big 12.
TV schedule: Friday, November 22nd, 10:30 pm ET. ESPN2
Arena: McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, AZ
In just a couple of weeks into the season, we've already gotten plenty of notable results and upsets. One of them came last Friday, when Arizona (2-1) played at Wisconsin and went away with a 103-88 defeat. It was a poor defensive performance in a game that featured a ton of foul shots but the Wildcats suffered a setback and is looking to avoid a second straight loss.
Their opponents Duke (3-1) also lost its first big game of the season, losing 77-72 to Kentucky in the Champions Classic. It was a learning lesson for the young Blue Devils, including 5-star freshman forward, Cooper Flagg. He currently leads the team with 16.3 ppg. 9.5 rpg, and 4.0 apg. Freshman wing Kon Knueppel (14.8 ppg) and Tyrese Proctor (12.8 ppg) are the team's other double-digit scorers, with an offense good enough to score plenty on Arizona again.
The Wildcats have their own source of offensive firepower, led by junior guard Jaden Bradley (14.7 ppg). The team has nine players averaging at least 6.0 ppg, including Tennessee transfer big man Tobe Awaka, who is producing 10.3 ppg and 12.3 rpg, one of the best rebounders so far this season. Caleb Love, last year's Pac-12 Player of the Year and Preseason All-American, is off to a slow start, averaging just 11.0 ppg and 3.0 apg on 35% shooting from the field.
Both teams have plenty of depth and this game could end up in a shootout on Friday night. Flagg has shown up all season but will Love? At home, the expectation should be so. If that happens, look for the home team to get the win.
Prediction: Arizona 87, Duke 80